RMT Union Leader Bob Crow Dead at 52

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union leader is said to have died in hospital

Bob Crow, the controversial head of the RMT, has died, aged 52.

Yesterday afternoon Mr Crow felt unwell, telling friends he thought he was suffering from a case of the flu. 

Hours later he was rushed to Whipps Cross hospital in Leystonstone, East London, where doctors tried to save him.

He died early today after an aneurysm and heart attack. 

The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union made the announcement this morning ‘with the deepest regret’.

A brief statement said: “It is with the deepest regret that RMT has to confirm that our general secretary Bob Crow sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning.

“RMT would request that all media respect the privacy of the friends and family of Bob Crow at this distressing time.”

Mr Crow, who lived in Woodford Green, East London, is said to have died in hospital after having a heart attack. He leaves behind a partner, Nicola Hoarau, 50.

Just yesterday he defended his £145,000 salary, declaring he was “serving civilisation” in his role and was “worth it”.

He also faced criticism for living in a housing association home intended for less well off people at a subsidised rate.

In November Mr Crow said: “I was born in a council house, I’ll die in a council house.”

Mr Crow was a hated figure for millions of commuters whose journeys were disrupted by RMT strikes, but he was popular amongst union members for getting them better pay deals.

His six-figure pay deal, taste for exotic holidays and insistence on still living in a council house meant he attracted criticism.

Last month, just before walkouts over ticket offices, Mr Crow was pictured relaxing on Rio’s Copacabana beach.

He hit back at his critics in trademark style, asking them: “What do you want me to do?  Sit under a tree and read Karl Marx every day?”